Breast Lift

What is a Breast Lift?

Mastopexy, the medical term for “breast lift,” is a procedure that raises and firms the breast by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue. This provides a more youthful appearance to the breast.

Why Do Women Seek a Breast Lift?

Many changes in a woman’s life can lead to the desire for breast lift. These include:

Pregnancy

Breastfeeding

Weight fluctuations

Aging

Gravity

Heredity

Breast lift can repair the changes that have occurred, and provide a more youthful, better shape to the breast.

Limitations of a Breast Lift

A breast lift is able to create a better position of the breast; however, it will not change the size of the breast. In fact, the breast can sometimes appear slightly smaller after the procedure. A breast lift is also unable to provide upper-breast fullness that is persistent. To provide upper breast fullness that lasts, a breast implant would be necessary.

Do I need a mammogram prior to breast lift surgery?

Our guidelines are that a mammogram is necessary before surgery if you meet any of the following criteria:

Age greater than 35 years

You are within 10 years of the age of a family member that was diagnosed with breast cancer

If any areas of concern are identified during your examination

Can I have a breast augmentation at the same time?

Breast augmentation and breast lift (Augmentation Mastopexy) are two opposite and competing procedures. The two procedures can be completed at the same time, although there are limitations in both the degree of augmentation and degree of lift that can be completed concurrently. It is always MidAmerica Plastic Surgery’s recommendation to proceed in a two-stage fashion for the best possible result. That said, we also recognize both financial, time, and recovery constraints of completing this in two stages and for many patients this is completed in a single surgery. A complete consultation with Dr. Ryan Diederich is necessary to determine if you are a candidate for a single stage procedure.

Before the Breast Lift Procedure

Get lab testing or a medical evaluation as needed.

Take certain medications or adjust your current medications, as recommended.

Get a baseline mammogram before surgery and another one after surgery to help detect any future changes in your breast tissue.

The day of the Breast Lift Procedure

Breast lift surgery is usually on an out patient basis. You will come to the hospital in the morning and be able to leave in the afternoon. You are not allowed to eat or drink anything after midnight the day of your surgery. Please arrange for someone to drive you to and from the hospital on surgery day. You will also need someone to stay with you at home for the first 24 hours after surgery.

After the Breast Lift Procedure

After the surgery is completed, dressings will be applied to the incisions and a surgical bra placed. You will come to the office the day after your surgery for follow up, and we will remove the bandages for you. You may be sore for a few weeks and may also experience slight swelling and bruising. Recovery is patient dependent. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience shortness of breath, chest pains, or unusual heart beats.

Complications Regarding the Breast Lift Procedure

As with any procedure, there are risks. Fortunately, with a breast lift procedure, these risks are minimal. These include, but are not limited to:

Unfavorable scarring

Bleeding (hematoma)

Infection

Asymmetry

Poor healing of incisions

Changes in nipple or breast sensation, may be temporary or permanent

Anesthesia risks

Fluid accumulation

Blood clots

Pain, which may persist

Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications

Possibility of revision surgery

Pregnancy, weight loss and menopause may influence the appearance of augmented breasts over the course of your lifetime.

Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Ryan Diederich

Dr. Diederich is a Southern Illinois native realizing his dream of giving back to the community. He helps patients feel and look their best with his surgical skills and compassionate care.

Now What?

Dr. Ryan Diederich is a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in a range of aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery procedures at Mid-America Institute of Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery in Glen Carbon, IL. If you’re looking for a plastic surgeon east of St. Louis, you can schedule a consultation online, or call us at
(618) 288-7855 to schedule an appointment. A $100 consultation fee will be collected to reserve your appointment.

*This article is intended as a guideline only. This is not intended as medical advice. There are no guarantees written or implied from the information presented here. Only a consultation can provide an appropriate evaluation and discussion regarding any procedure. Refer to your physician for medical decision making and advice.

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Dr. Ryan Diederich is a highly trained and experienced plastic surgeon who specializes in cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery in Glen Carbon, IL, at MidAmerica Plastic Surgery. Dr. Diederich is certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member of The American Society of Plastic Surgeons, The American Association for Hand Surgery, and the Illinois State Medical Society. Dr. Diederich specializes in cosmetic breast surgery, including breast augmentation, breast reduction, and breast lift procedures. He is also known for mommy makeover procedures, which typically include tummy tuck and liposuction. MidAmerica Plastic Surgery serves patients east of St. Louis, including residents of Maryville, Mt. Vernon, Marion, Springfield, and throughout Southern Illinois.